The Question of German Guilt

Karl Jaspers's The Question of German Guilt (Die Schuldfrage) is a philosophical examination of Germany's moral and political responsibility following World War II. Published in 1946, the book distinguishes between different types of guilt: criminal guilt, political responsibility, moral guilt, and metaphysical guilt.1

Jaspers argues that while not all Germans were criminally guilty of war crimes, all bore a degree of political responsibility for the actions of the Nazi regime. He emphasizes that a collective acknowledgment of guilt and responsibility is essential for Germany's moral and political rebirth. The book also critiques the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh terms on Germany, contributing to resentment and instability that fueled the rise of Nazism. Jaspers's work remains a significant contribution to discussions on collective responsibility and historical reckoning.123